Austn Fischer, a photographer originally from Wisconsin and now based in London, began his journey in photography to articulate feelings and messages he found challenging to express. “I started doing photography as a way to express things I don’t understand or to convey a message I’m having a hard time explaining,” he states. Fischer describes his process as somewhat unconventional, often realizing the significance of his work only after completing it.
Fischer’s photography explores fashion as a form of performance, highlighting how clothing, style, and gestures reveal aspects of our identity. His work is characterized by striking contrasts, such as combining lace ruffs with athletic wear or pairing an angular black gown with a delicate wire horse armature. Each piece, whether a portrait or a conceptual image, captures a playful essence, encouraging viewers to reimagine their identities.
Fischer explains that his curiosity about his own sexuality and experience as a man led him to fashion, which he views as a storytelling medium. “Growing up, I had a lot of questions around my sexuality and my own experience as a man. I naturally gravitated towards fashion because of the story clothing can convey in an image,” he adds. The colors, shapes, and fabrics in his work contribute to a dialogue about identity and the human body.
He has worked with various editorial and commercial clients, capturing images like Ai Weiwei with a milkshake for The New Statesman and David Byrne posed as if under oath for Crack Magazine. In both personal and commissioned projects, Fischer uses a predominantly black-and-white palette to create scenes that radiate warmth and gentleness.
Currently, Fischer is focused on gaining a deeper understanding of his emotions, influenced by recent personal and professional challenges. “Recently, I spent two weeks from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. painting a wall in a church white over and over to understand patience and reflect on myself. I’m working a lot on understanding emotion and myself through putting my body through different tasks or challenges,” he tells Colossal.
To view more of Fischer’s work, visit his website and follow him on Instagram.
